Can Shoplifting Charges be Dropped by the Store?

Frequently, new clients are concerned with whether or not a retail store,
Walmart, Target, Macys, Home Depot, or the like, can simply drop their
shoplifting charges without going to court. The simple answer is usually: no. Don't
waste the time tying to call and speak to the store. Call us instead to
begin putting together a winning defense that will clear your good name.

Can the Store Drop my Shoplifting Charges?

Once the store calls in the police, the investigation and prosecution gets
turned over to the city the store is in, or the State of Georgia. While
the stores could make it known that they do not wish to have the case
further prosecuted, most do not. In fact, virtually all of the big box
retail stores have a strict prosecution policy for shoplifting and theft
crimes. They see bending the policy as weakness that will ultimately lead
to more theft from their stores. For this reason, once the cops arrive
on scene, the investigation gets turned over to them, and they either
take suspects to jail, or issue citations requiring court appearance on
shoplifting charges.

While we do not negotiate with stores usually, we will begin the negotiation
process as soon as possible with the court prosecutor on your behalf.
Remember, the prosecutor has the final say in negotiations in the case,
not the store.

Do I Pay the $150 Demand Letter?

In addition to turning the case over to police for prosecution, most stores
will have you sign waivers and even agreements to pay money if you are
caught shoplifting. A $150 demand letter is very common, and I am seeing
more instances where clients were forced to sign this document, and even
make payment, on the spot, before being arrested! While this $150 demand
of payment is currently legal under Georgia law, it does not affect your
criminal prosecution and paying it will not somehow make the case go away.
In fact, you are giving your money to them for nothing. There is no benefit
to paying this demand. Like any other civil demand letter, it can be litigated
should they choose. (To date, I have never seen a client receive any more
than 2-3 of these empty demand letters before they stop.)

If you are receiving letters and notices, even on an attorney's letterhead,
demanding money for the incident, call us, not them. Unlike these California,
Florida, and New York debt collectors,
we will help you actually win your case and clear your arrest record.

Can Shoplifting Come Off My Record?

Virtually all Metro Atlanta and Forsyth County Courts have room for negotiation
on first-time shoplifting offenders. If you have been previously convicted
of shoplifting, or similar theft crimes, those charges could preclude
you from a typical first offender or pretrial program. Typically, for
first time shoplifting crimes, we negotiate for a combination of:

community service

fine/fee payment

cognitive skills counseling

probationary period

In exchange, if all negotiated requirements are successfully completed,
we always negotiate for your record to be expunged (record restriction)
under Georgia record restriction laws. This will help your record be as
hidden from public view as possible. Depending on the court your case
is pending in, we can also apply for jail and supplemental court records
to be sealed as well.

Will a Shoplifting Charge Affect My Immigration Status?

YES. A shoplifting charge is a crime of theft that can absolutely damage your
immigration status, whether you are on a visa or even a legal permanent
resident (green card holder). Contact us immediately if you are not a
citizen and have pending shoplifting charges. There are very strict requirements
in dealing with your case so it does not impact your status.

Why Choose Zeliff | Watson for My Case?

Both
Peter and
Evan have years of shoplifting defense under their belts. We have put together
a system of defending shoplifting crimes that will benefit you from Day
1 and make your case more manageable and allow us to achieve better results.
At your first appointment, we will give you, in writing, some suggested
requirements to start before court. In our experience, taking proactive
measures is the best way to defend shoplifting crimes.

Call us today at: (770) 676-1340 or contact us through our website
contact form to discuss your case privately.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

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